Get Hooked on Card: Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow

In history of human warfare, when things get really, truly, desperate, we start throwing children into combat. When things get to that level of desperation, when we are willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for a chance to stave off defeat, the final battle is already on the horizon. If this pattern holds true in the future of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game series, then the human race may well be fighting its last war.

The alien Formics have kicked humanity's butt twice, and now they are preparing for one massive, final, attack. The best hope now is to recruit the very best of Earth's children, and train them to be an unstoppable fighting force. Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is one of the best of the best. He excels at strategy and war games, and he quickly becomes one of the International Fleet's brightest stars. Of course, success in games does not mean Ender will be able to save the world when the time comes for the real thing. If he is going to succeed, he's going to need a lot of help.

Ender's Shadow is a companion series to the main Ender's Game books. This series shines a spotlight on some of the troops under Ender's command. This book not only gives these supporting characters a chance to shine, it also allows us to see how Ender influences those around him. His leadership does not offer love and kisses, but it does force the incredibly young soldiers of the International Fleet to become the best fighting force they can be.

The first issue focuses on the very young, very small, Bean. Bean may be tiny, but he has the fastest reflexes around. Rather than babying him, Ender forces him to live up to his reputation. Or to fail horribly in the attempt. This series does a great job making kids like Bean feel real and three dimensional. It is hard to imagine what it would take to turn pre-adolescent kids into a force that can defend the world against a terrifying alien opponent, but Ender's Shadow puts you right there with these kids.

If you have never read the Ender's Game novels, or even any of the comics, Ender's Shadow #1 is a good place to start. It has action, pathos, cool battle suits, and all the pre-teen drama you could ever ask for in a book about sweeping space battles. All you have to do to try it out is make your way safely to base (AKA Four Color Fantasies), and plunk down a few measly dollars. If you don't like it, we'll guarantee your money back! Though we make no guarantees about your ability to slip past enemy lines without being ambushed.